Mamiffer / Seattle
The process of experiencing a musical composition is like decoding a puzzle. The mind registers the emotional implications within a melody, the timbre of the instrumentation, the tempo of the music, and the subject matter of lyrics. Listeners then must decipher this relatively complex code and project their own meanings and feelings to that particular pattern of sound. As a culture, weve also come to ascribe connotations to formulas and clichese These are reference points, a context, and a shorthand method of leading the listener to a certain conclusion. Mamiffer exists with little in the way of context. The musical project, spearheaded by pianist Faith Coloccia, and now including Aaron Turner (Isis), speaks in a new language whose roots are harder to trace. Consequently, the music is intriguingly foreign. A patient listener shouldnt have any difficulties rendering the deep, vibrant human pulse in the compositions, though a Rosetta stone in the form of the projects history and operational tactics will undoubtedly help untangle Mamiffers cryptic dialect.

"Clouds drift, chilly winds blow, skies darken and sadness swells. Then, it all gradually dissipates. These are images and feelings conjured when one immerses him or herself in the dreamy atmospherics of Mamiffer."

RM74 / Bern
RM74 is the solo project of Swiss musician Reto MÃ¤der. He meshes instruments like guitar, piano and kalimba with electronics in such a way as to make both sides of the fence talk to one another. It's a cryptic and wide open language between drifting electro-acoustic music, minimal instrumental figures, drones, experimental electronics and slow-growing melodies.
"Think psychedelia, think noise, think lo-fi New Zealand"
Frans De Waard, Vital Weekly
"When the noise spikes and then disappears, only the beautiful underlying sounds remain, like a storm coming to its inevitable end"
Creaig Dunton, Brainwashed